The crew of Roger Pirates had begun settling down at the docks of Lougetown, unloading crates of supplies and barrels of rum. As the sun dipped lower over the horizon, Draco leapt effortlessly from the deck, landing softly on the cobbled street below. A moment later, Buggy followed but with less grace.
"OOF!" Buggy slammed face-first into the ground, limbs sprawled like a ragdoll. For a moment, there was complete silence, until Draco glanced back at him and chuckled.
"Nice landing, Buggy," Draco teased, a sly grin creeping onto his face.
Buggy groaned, sitting up and rubbing his nose, which, of course, remained large and bright red. "Deck's slippery! That's why I fell," he muttered defensively, glaring at the amused crew members passing by that were unloading.
Draco rolled his eyes and offered Buggy a hand. "Sure... the deck's slippery." He pulled Buggy up to his feet with ease.
Buggy dusted himself off and looked back at the ship, his annoyance still bubbling beneath the surface.
"We're heading out, Roger!" Draco called up toward the ship's deck.
Standing at the helm of the Oro Jackson, Gol D. Roger waved lazily at the two boys. "Enjoy yourselves! And try not to cause problems!" Roger called back, chuckling heartily before turning away. His laughter faded as he gazed down at the photograph, he held a picture of Portgas D. Rouge, his lover. Roger smiled fondly, his thumb brushing over her image. For a brief moment, his expression softened into something almost melancholic before he tucked the photo away and turned to the crew unloading supplies. He gave a few orders, then disappeared into the winding streets of Lougetown.
[Streets of Lougetown]
Draco and Buggy made their way past the dock's entrance, walking deeper into the heart of Lougetown. The narrow streets bustled with vendors, sailors, and townspeople going about their day. A few passersby glanced at them with mild curiosity, but most didn't pay them much attention.
Even though Draco carried one of the highest first published bounties in history, the people here weren't too concerned with bounties or world affairs. Lougetown was an important resupply hub, a place where pirates, traders, and adventurers could stock up before setting out into the dangerous seas beyond the East Blue, Grand Line!
However, Buggy's appearance didn't go unnoticed. A group of citizens pointed and whispered among themselves, their eyes locked on his enormous red nose.
"Pfft... Look at the nose on that guy!" one kid whispered to another, stifling a laugh.
Buggy's face turned beet red—not that anyone could tell through his bright nose. Steam practically shot from his ears.
"Oi! What're you laughing at?! Say it to my face!" Buggy bellowed, shaking a fist at them. The group quickly scattered, laughing as they ran.
Draco amused. "You gotta get used to it, Buggy. People are always gonna laugh at that nose. Don't let it mess with your ego."
Buggy huffed and crossed his arms. "Yessir," he grumbled. Though Buggy tried to hide it, there was something solemn about his expression now, a glimpse of humility. Despite being older, Buggy still followed Draco's lead, almost as if the younger boy were his superior.
Draco gave Buggy a sidelong glance. It was strange to think that no one could tell he was only 8 years old. His adult height and serious demeanor made him seem far older than he actually was.
[The Execution Platform]
As the two walked deeper into town, they came across the execution platform, the towering structure where, years later, Gol D. Roger would meet his end.
Draco's eyes lingered on the platform, his mind drifting. He knew the significance of this place. This was where Roger's story would end, and the Great Pirate Era would begin. But at that moment, Draco felt the weight of that future like a storm cloud hanging just over the horizon.
"Man... Dying up there must suck," Buggy muttered, staring uneasily at the platform. "The idea of people gathering just to watch someone die... laughing, cheering, crying—like it's entertainment..."
Draco glanced at Buggy, a small, almost unnoticeable smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Maybe his influence was starting to change Buggy, little by little.
After a moment of silence, Draco asked, "Hey, Buggy. Do you want a sword?"
Buggy gave him a confused look. "A sword? No need, I prefer knives. They're smaller, lighter... easier to hide."
Draco stopped walking and looked Buggy squarely in the eye. "Listen, Buggy... Roger isn't going to be around forever. The crew will disband someday. He and I won't always be there to protect you."
Buggy shifted uncomfortably at the thought.
"And you can't keep relying on sneak attacks, either. You're going to need a real fighting style if you want to survive out there," Draco continued, his voice calm but firm.
Buggy scratched the back of his head, deep in thought. "Yeah... You're right."
Then, with a sudden grin, Buggy asked, "Hey, can you teach me your fighting style?"
Draco shook his head. "I don't have a fighting style... Just some stuff then and there I learned..." mostly relating to his life on earth as a special force member.
Buggy looked disappointed, but Draco sighed and crossed his arms. "Look, I'll teach you some things I learned. But you can't teach anyone else... unless it's your apprentice. Got it?"
Buggy's face lit up. "Deal! I'll repay you one day! With treasure from all over the world!"
Draco smirked. "Treasure doesn't matter to me, but that'll be a fine repayment for now."
[Arms Shop]
As they continued their walk through Lougetown, a weapons shop caught Draco's eye. He stopped in front of the store, admiring the neatly arranged swords and weapons on display, very unlike the one shown in the anime.
"Let's check this place out," Draco said, motioning for Buggy to follow him inside.
The interior of the shop was spotless, with gleaming swords hanging from the walls. Behind the counter stood an old man with a warm smile.
"Welcome, welcome! I'm Ipponkatsu. How can I help you two today?" the old man greeted them.
Draco looked around the shop with interest. "Show me your best blades, the price doesn't matter."
Draco while saying this, looks closely at Ipponkatsu, realizing this was most likely Ipponmatsu older family member.
Ipponkatsu's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Good sword, you say? Give me a moment."
Ipponkatsu's goes in the back and readily shows Draco a large variant amount of swords, explaining to Draco how sharp and durable they are, "It'll easily cut steel!", grinning proudly.
After looking through some blades, Draco scratches the back of his head uncaring about the swords he was presented. He knew Ipponmatsu had a greedy, money-grubbing personality, but it seems he got it from his old man.
Draco looks sternly at the old man this time, almost with killing intent, "Old man, I said I want the best... not these so-called false blades"
The old man hurriedly disappeared into the back and returned with a long, black scabbard. It was Sandai Kitetsu—a cursed katana.
Draco's eyes gleamed as he examined the blade. "How much for it?"
Ipponkatsu hesitated. "This sword... it's not for sale. It's cursed. Dangerous."
Buggy yelped from behind Draco. "Cursed?! Wha- What!"
Draco raised an eyebrow. "If you didn't want to sell it, you shouldn't have shown it to me."
The old man sighed. "It's said to corrupt its wielder. Are you sure you want it?"
Draco gave a small grin. "It's not for me. It's for him." He nodded toward Buggy.
Buggy's jaw dropped. "What?! No way—"
Draco cut him off. "You need to learn swordsmanship, Buggy. This sword will be another asset to your arsenal."
Ipponkatsu studied the two young pirates before him, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. After a pause, he gave a solemn nod. "Alright, I'll sell it to you. But before I do, I want you to see its true nature."
He held the blade out toward Draco, his expression dark. "You need to understand what you're dealing with."
Draco reached out without hesitation, gripping the hilt tightly. In one smooth motion, he unsheathed the katana. A low, ominous hum resonated from the blade, and a faint mist swirled around it like a whisper of death.
Draco tilted his head, examining the sword with a curious gaze. Yes, it was cursed. But instead of fear, Draco felt... nothing. Whatever cursed force clung to the blade couldn't reach him. His indifference was unsettling, it was as if he couldn't feel danger, even if it was staring him in the face.
He gave a small, satisfied nod. "It's good," he said simply, sliding the blade back into its scabbard. Then, without a second thought, Draco handed the sword to Buggy.
"Here, it's yours," Draco said casually, tossing Sandai Kitetsu towards Buggy.
Buggy's face paled. "M-Me? You want me to carry this thing?"
"Yep," Draco replied with a smirk.
Buggy hesitated, looking at the sword as if it were a live snake.
Ipponkatsu watched silently, his expression softening. He hadn't expected Draco to brush off the curse so easily, nor for the boy to give the sword away without a second thought. A strange smile crept across his face.
"You know what?" Ipponkatsu said, his tone suddenly light. "It's free. Take it."
Buggy blinked in disbelief. "Seriously?"
The old man chuckled, wiping his hands on a rag. In truth, Ipponkatsu was relieved. The cursed katana had been weighing heavily on him for years, and now it was someone else's burden. His shop no longer felt "cursed," and he was genuinely happy to see the sword finally find a home.
"Take care of it, kid," Ipponkatsu said, waving them off.
Draco nodded in thanks, and with that, the two boys left the shop, Buggy holding the cursed sword awkwardly in both hands.
[Back to the Oro Jackson]
They made their way back toward the docks, weaving through the busy streets of Lougetown. The setting sun bathed the town in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets. As they approached the Oro Jackson, Draco spotted Scopper Gaban lounging by the gangplank, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
"Yo, Scopper!" Draco called out, raising a hand in greeting.
Scopper looked up and gave them a lazy smile. "Back already? Find anything interesting?"
Draco grinned but didn't elaborate. Instead, he motioned for Buggy to follow him as they jumped back onto the ship.
They made their way to the back of the Oro Jackson, where Draco had set up "base" with his hammock and lounging chair. Most of the crew stayed away from this spot—partly out of respect for Draco, but also because this was the place where Draco rested, slept, drank, and trained.
Leaning casually against the back railing, Draco glanced at Buggy. "Alright, unsheathe the blade."
Buggy's hands shook as he held the cursed katana. "D-Do I have to?"
Draco's expression grew serious. "Yes. And remember what I told you, Buggy—never fear the unknown. Always be curious, always be strong. Never back down. And whatever happens, keep moving forward."
Buggy swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his face. But Draco's steady gaze didn't waver, and Buggy didn't want to disappoint him.
Taking a deep breath, Buggy tightened his grip on the hilt and slowly unsheathed the katana. The moment the blade was free, an overwhelming aura of malice exploded outward, pressing against Buggy's mind. It felt like a black fog, cold and suffocating, wrapping around his very soul.
For a moment, Buggy faltered. His knees buckled, and the air around him seemed to grow heavier, crushing him under the weight of the curse.
But then, he glanced at Draco.
Draco stood still, his expression calm and unwavering. There was no fear in his eyes—only quiet confidence.
Buggy gritted his teeth, his body trembling as he fought back against the oppressive aura. He wouldn't give in. He couldn't. He wanted to prove himself—to Draco, to the crew, and to himself. He wasn't just a clown. He could be strong, too.
With veins bulging from the effort, Buggy let out a roar. The dark aura swirled violently around him, but Buggy's will refused to break. Slowly, the oppressive force began to recede, like a storm dissipating after a long battle.
At last, the cursed aura vanished, and Buggy stood tall, grinning from ear to ear. "I did it! I wasn't afraid of it!" he shouted triumphantly, sheathing the blade with a flourish.
Suddenly, Scopper Gaban appeared, hurrying up from the lower deck. His sharp senses had picked up on the evil aura the moment Buggy unsheathed the sword.
"What the hell was that?" Scopper demanded, scanning the area for threats.
Draco gave him a lazy smile. "Relax. It's just the cursed sword—Sandai Kitetsu."
Scopper's eyes widened in surprise. "A cursed blade? I've seen a few in my time, but this is the first time I've seen one up close."
He glanced at Buggy, who stood proudly with the sheathed katana at his side. Scopper chuckled, patting Buggy on the shoulder. "Well, take care of it, kid. And be careful—it's not just a weapon. It's got a mind of its own."
Buggy nodded, still grinning. "Don't worry! I've got this!"
Draco leaned back against the railing, casually crossing his arms. "By the way, where's Roger?"
Scopper chuckled, lighting another cigarette. "Our fearless captain? Off with his lover, of course."
Buggy's jaw dropped. "The Captain has a lover?!"
Scopper laughed. "Yeah, didn't you know? She's here on the island."
Draco perked up at that, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "And where's Rayleigh?"
Scopper smirked. "Where else? At the bar, drinking himself silly."
Draco's eyes lit up with amusement. "Perfect. Let's go say hi."
Buggy, standing off to the side, wiped the sweat from his brow and muttered under his breath. "My teacher's an alcoholic... great." But buggy was gleeful inside, he also knows that he was a step closer to being stronger than Shanks.
With that, the Draco and Buggy made their way toward the town once more, leaving Scopper behind on the ship, shaking his head in amusement.